Chinook Salmon Fishing Guides

Embark on an Unforgettable Salmon Fishing Expedition with Captain Craig! Join Captain Craig for an exhilarating drift salmon fishing adventure in the stunning waters of Tillamook County, where the rivers come alive with the iconic Chinook and Coho Salmon. With a range of fishing techniques at your disposal, this trip promises a thrilling angling experience. Diverse Fishing Techniques Captain Craig's expertise covers a spectrum of fishing techniques, ensuring that your adventure is tailored to your preferences. Whether you're into artificial lure fishing, heavy tackle fishing, jigging, light tackle fishing, or trolling, he's got you covered. Salmon of Legends Prepare to target the legendary Chinook and Coho Salmon, known for their size, strength, and delectable flavor. These iconic fish will test your angling skills and provide an exhilarating battle as you reel them in. Scenic Drift Trips Your drift fishing adventure will take you down some of Tillamook County's most picturesque rivers, including the Kilchis, Trask, Wilson, and Nehalem. These breathtaking landscapes provide the backdrop for your salmon fishing journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Captain Craig's Expertise Captain Craig's intimate knowledge of the local rivers and years of experience guarantee that you'll be in the best possible hands for a successful and enjoyable salmon fishing trip. Book Your Salmon Fishing Expedition Today! Whether you're an experienced angler seeking the thrill of a salmon catch or a newcomer eager to experience the sport, Captain Craig's fishing trip in Tillamook County promises a day filled with excitement, natural beauty, and impressive catches. Reserve your spot now and get ready for an incredible day of salmon fishing with Captain Craig! Read More

Get out there on the beautiful Columbia River and experience the thrill of fishing one of the best freshwater ecosystems in the Lower 48! This idyllic environment is still home to a major annual salmon run, and you'll be able to target trophy-sized King Salmon, alongside Steelhead and Sturgeon, on this epic trip. Salmon and Steelhead are both great fighters that will really test your strength, stamina, and skills—so bring your A-game! These fish love to hit fast-moving lures, so you'll use an active fishing style to draw bites. If you want to target Sturgeon, you can also try bottomfishing techniques to attract these freshwater behemoths. Sturgeon are the largest freshwater fish in North America, and catching and releasing one should be on every angler's bucket list. Captain Christian is a knowledgeable and experienced guide who will take you to the best spots on the river and provide you with all the necessary gear. His 24' boat is ultra-capable and is fully equipped for river fishing, with a 225 Yamaha outboard and a full suite of additional electronics and gear. As you make your way up the river, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, and more! Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, Captain Christian will provide a fun and memorable fishing experience. Don't miss out on this exciting charter fishing trip on the Columbia River! Read More

If you're looking for an adventure that'll get you back to nature and hooking some world-famous fish, join Captain Chuck on this 8-hour jet boat trip! You'll be fishing the Chehalis River—along with some smaller waterways—for a variety of Salmon species, including Coho, Pinks, and Chinook, plus some feisty Steelhead! Captain Chuck is an expert when it comes to these waters, and he'll guide you to the best spots. You'll use a variety of lures and bait, depending on the weather and the water conditions, but regardless, when that fish is on, get ready for a fight! Salmon run hard, and Steelhead—which are actually a sea-run Rainbow Trout—are known for their huge leaps and tail-walks when hooked. You'll be on Chuck's 17' Thor-Built jet boat, which is ideal for river fishing, with a lot of kick to beat the current and a shallow draft to navigate around shallows. Captain Chuck will provide everything you need for an awesome trip, so get out there and have a blast! Read More

Join Captain Caleb on a thrilling fishing adventure in Nehalem, Oregon! Aboard his sturdy 21' Alumaweld boat, you'll be heading out to the Nehalem River in search of the mighty Salmon and Steelhead. These iconic fish are known for their acrobatic leaps and fierce fighting spirit, making them a prized catch for any angler. As you cast your line, keep an eye out for bald eagles, ospreys, and other wildlife that call these waters home. After a day of excitement on the water, kick back and relax as you enjoy the stunning scenery and the gorgeous sunset over the river. Book your trip today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Read More

Join Captain Caleb on a thrilling fishing adventure in Tillamook, Oregon! Aboard his sturdy 21' Alumaweld boat, you'll be heading out to the Wilson River in search of the mighty Salmon and Steelhead. These iconic fish are known for their acrobatic leaps and fierce fighting spirit, making them a prized catch for any angler. As you cast your line, keep an eye out for bald eagles, ospreys, and other wildlife that call these waters home. After a day of excitement on the water, kick back and relax as you enjoy the stunning scenery and the gorgeous sunset over the river. Book your trip today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Read More

A fishing charter in Hammond, Oregon is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the thrill of sport fishing. You'll be in good hands with Captain Rod, an experienced and knowledgeable guide who has been fishing the waters of Oregon for many years. On the charter, you'll have the opportunity to fish for King and Coho Salmon, two of the most prized and sought-after species in the region. The captain will take you to the best fishing spots in the area, using his expertise and local knowledge to ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable day on the water. Once you're on the boat, you'll be provided with all the necessary gear and equipment, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. The captain will give you instructions on how to use the gear and how to properly reel in a fish, so even if you're a beginner you'll be able to participate and have fun. Throughout the day, the captain will provide insight and guidance, sharing his knowledge of the local fish and their habits. You'll learn about the different species you might encounter, as well as the best techniques for catching them. As you fish, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery, with the rugged Oregon coast on one side and the vast Pacific Ocean on the other. You might even see some wildlife, such as seals, sea lions, or seabirds. At the end of the day, the captain will clean and fillet your catch, so you can take it home to enjoy a fresh, delicious meal. A fishing charter in Hammond, Oregon is a truly unforgettable experience that combines adventure, education, and the thrill of the catch Read More

An all-inclusive trip to the best trophy rainbow river in Alaska is now available for under $5000 per person! Come experience the smolt migrations in June, the huge runs of salmon in July, the acrobatic silvers in August and the incredible trophy rainbow fishing in September. No longer will a trip to Alaska have to be ‘once in a lifetime’, because, according to Jim, a onetime shot of Alaska just isn’t going to get it done. No, for the true big fish junkie, once in a lifetime just isn’t enough. That is why the crew at Naknek River Camp has gone the extra mile to make Alaska affordable. If you're wondering why Jim gets away with listing this trip for half of most Alaska lodging/fishing trips, ret assured there is no catch; Jim keeps costs down by maintaining a family-run camp. His wife is head of housekeeping, the chef and a full time licensed guide. His older son, an avid fisherman and 4 time Michigan State Casting Champion, is Jim's right hand man around camp. His daughter has also been the Michigan State Casting Champion. She is the official camp photographer and the desert chef. And his youngest son is just starting his career as a fishing guide. His specialty is netting big salmon. Here are the several exciting species of fish you can expect to target depending on the time of year: **Early Season Fishing – June & July:** Smolting Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp. The rainbows concentrate on salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean. The best offerings include large rabbit strip and marabou leeches in black, olive and dark brown. NOT egg sucking leeches. Minnow imitations are also deadly in small to medium sizes. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In June, July and early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. Recommended Tackle: an 8 ½ to 10 foot fly rod for a 5-6 weight line. The WF floater is the most popular choice, although sink-tips (130 grain to 200 grain) will work as well. 3x to 5x tippets. Grayling at Idavain: This fishing starts out with a 1 mile hike to the better fishing grounds. Grayling are best fished with light tackle. I would use a 4 or 5 weight fly rod with a floating line. #12 and #14 adams, caddis and stoneflies (dry), small beadhead nymphs, leeches, woolybuggers and deer hair mice will all work here. Kings: These begin showing up mid-June, building throughout the month. Most of the fishing is down in the lower Naknek, where tide is important and the water is deep. Treble hooks are legal. By late July, they will begin moving into the rapids to prepare for spawning. Single Hook Only. Recommended Tackle: We have a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning, revolving spool and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, I would recommend a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. Sockeye: Chrome sockeye begin their trip from the ocean around June 20th. This migration continues until late July (timing varies, of course, depending on weather). Until the spawn in mid- August, sockeye will hold in slow pools and side channels. They are usually turning red by early August. Recommended Tackle: A 6-8 weight fly rod in 9’ to 11’ lengths with a Climax Zip Line is by far the best choice. A floating line with either a strike indicator or a few split shot will also work well. **Late Season Fishing – August & September:** Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp and in the rapids. The rainbows will still take salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean, but by far the biggest food source is salmon eggs. Sockeye eggs are 6mm, silvers and pinks are 8mm and kings are 10mm. Sometimes, oversize imitations work better. I like trout beads mottled beads in orange, dark roe and pinks in sizes 6mm – 12mm. Don’t forget #8 and #10 short shank hooks and toothpicks (or the clear plastic pegs). For leeches, I like articulated and bunny strip versions without eggs in front in black, olive, purple and flesh colors. Wool head sculpin also work well. Late in the season, flesh flies might be needed. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. By mid to late August, the sockeye spawning kicks in and 6mm – 8mm plastic beads are king. Margot Creek: This is some of the best arctic char/ dolly varden fishing around, along with a decent population of rainbows. The stream is full of sockeye spawning by mid August, so beads are at great bet here, with or without a fly following behind. All the same patterns listed for Brooks work well here as well. If the water is discolored, 10 and 12mm beads are deadly. The rest of the time, 6mm and 8mm work best. Silvers: By early August, silvers should be running into the Naknek on each high tide. Bright marabou streamers in purples and pinks and other bright colors, spinners in sizes 3-5 in pink, orange, chartreuse, and silver all work very well at times, as do wiggle warts in the same colors. Lots of local guides prefer jigs in 1/8 and 1/16 ounce in pink and purple, fished with or without an indicator. When they get spooky, however, nothing compares to a shooting line, a very small split shot or 2 and a small marabou streamer (like a woolybugger or PM Wiggler) in black, purple, pink, olive and cream, fished on 2x-3x fluoro. The best rods are 9 ½-10 ½ for a 7wt or 8wt. Line. I would want to have a shooting line, a floater and, possibly, a 200 to 300 grain sinking tip. For spinning, a 7 ½ med light rod, a reel with a smooth drag and 8 – 12 pound test line is best. Pinks: Every even year is a pink year on the Naknek, which means that 2012 will likely bring another strong run starting in July and continuing into mid-August. They are extremely aggressive, hitting all of the flies and lures listed for silvers, and then some. Small silver spoons and spinners work very well also. They are in the 3 to 6 pound range, and so can be a lot of fun on a little lighter tackle. Light spinning rods with 8 pound line or fly rods in the 5-7 weight range are perfect. Same lines as silvers. Kings: Early in August, the kings begin moving to their spawning areas, either up the feeder streams or in the rapids of the main stream. King season closes at the end of July, but many will be hooked throughout most of August. They must be immediately released, of course. Most of the spawning area is single hook only. Large streamers, small marabou streamers and large eggs all work well. Sockeye: Reds are thick in August and most of September. They are either spawning, or holding in slower seams waiting to spawn. The river and creek mouths around Naknek Lake will also be full of them. **Lodging:** The lodging for this trip includes hard sided cabins, real mattresses, a porch to enjoy the sunset and a hot shower at the end of the day. Also equipped with a nice kitchen to cook in, a dining room to enjoy great meals in, and a toilet in every cabin. Naknek River Camp also has a few conveniences that neither one of us expected to have in the Alaskan bush, including phone service for both us and our guests. There is road access to the towns of King Salmon and Naknek, offering medical services, a general store, groceries and even fishing and hunting supplies. **What's Included:** A private riverfront cabin, all food and meals in your own comfortable dining room, and transportation to and from the King Salmon Airport. The cabins include towels, pillows and linens. Just bring your PJ’s, your toothbrush, your fishing gear and your sense of adventure. Jim will supply everything else. **What to Bring:** Jim has a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, he would recommend: June & July: a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. August & September: a 7-9 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting and a 9 ½ for a 9 or 10 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ either a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line, a floating line with a strike indicator, or a Climax Zip line (or other suitable shooting line). Other equipment needed or recommended: Split shot in sizes b, bb and 3/0. Cone sinkers in 1/64th, 1/32nd, 1/16th, tapered leaders in 0x and 3x, fluorocarbon tippet in 2x – 5x, strike indicators in both 1 inch foam and yarn style, #12 black barrel swivels, forceps, nippers, floatant, brown or amber polarized sunglasses with strap, hat with brim, rain jacket, chest waders, wading belt, some like a wading staff, fleece pants, fleece sweater(s), wool socks, windproof fleece fingerless gloves, headnet, insect repellant, sun screen. REMINDER- felt soles are illegal in all of Alaska! Please make sure you have rubber soled wading boots. Read More

The cold, rich Pacific currents that flow along California's coast make the San Francisco Bay an angler's paradise. The inshore, nearshore, and offshore water here supports a superb marine ecosystem with a huge diversity of top-notch sport and game species, all of which you can go after with Captain Craig. On this trip, Captain Craig will get you out there to target King Salmon, Halibut, Leopard Sharks, Lingcod, Rockfish, Striped Bass, and Sturgeon! This is a unique mix of species that will give you a ton of different challenges and things to enjoy! Because there are so many species to target, you'll mix it up with several different fishing techniques including bottomfishing, trolling, drifting, jigging, and more. Depending on the season, weather, and your fishing preferences, Captain Craig will make sure that you're equipped with the right gear and tackle to get the job done. You'll be out there aboard his 33' Crown Custom sportfisher. Originally built in 1979, she's a purpose-built vessel that can handle anything the Bay can throw at you. She runs a 250-HP Scania engine and sports bait wells, bathroom, and a full suite of electronics to enhance your fishing. With all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle provided, you just need to bring sunscreen and your California Fishing Licenses. Get out there and hook 'em! Read More

If you're looking for a new "wallhanger" trophy fish, there's no better trip than this one with Bailey. He's made a name for himself by mastering all the local rivers flowing into Lake Michigan catching massive fish on both spinning gear and fly. Just look at his photo gallery to see how he consistently puts his clients on the giants, season after season. Starting in September, Chinook and Coho salmon enter the rivers in Eastern Wisconsin to begin their spawning stage. This is a great time to both cast hardware (crankbaits, spinners, etc.) and also float fish using bobbers and eggs for bait for these aggressive fighting fish! After a few good rains in fall, the Brown trout and Steelhead will move into the river systems to both spawn and take advantage of the egg buffet from the spawning salmon. During this time you can expect a lot of bobber fishing using both beads (single egg) and egg sacs for bait, as well as casting spinners/spoons. During your fishing adventure, you will be floating down the rivers in a 14' SmithFly BigShoals Raft. This will make it much easier for you to access parts of the river and fish, all while staying dry and warm inside the raft! All the rods, reels, gear and tackle will be provided for you, along with you fishing licenses! The only thing you have to do is show up and fish! Read More

If you're looking for a new "wallhanger" trophy fish, there's no better trip than this one with Bailey. He's made a name for himself by mastering all the local rivers flowing into Lake Michigan catching massive fish on both spinning gear and fly. Just look at his photo gallery to see how he consistently puts his clients on the giants, season after season. Starting in September, Chinook and Coho salmon enter the rivers in Eastern Wisconsin to begin their spawning stage. This is a great time to both cast hardware (crankbaits, spinners, etc.) and also float fish using bobbers and eggs for bait for these aggressive fighting fish! After a few good rains in fall, the Brown trout and Steelhead will move into the river systems to both spawn and take advantage of the egg buffet from the spawning salmon. During this time you can expect a lot of bobber fishing using both beads (single egg) and egg sacs for bait, as well as casting spinners/spoons. During your fishing adventure, you will be floating down the rivers in a 14' SmithFly BigShoals Raft. This will make it much easier for you to access parts of the river and fish, all while staying dry and warm inside the raft! All the rods, reels, gear and tackle will be provided for you, along with you fishing licenses! The only thing you have to do is show up and fish! Read More

On this big-time trip out of Algoma, WI, you'll be exploring the amazing waters of Lake Michigan on a 33' 30 Open, equipped with all the latest equipment and gear that will quickly and safely get you on the fish. You'll be targeting the premier Lake Michigan species: Lake Trout, Steelhead, and King and Coho Salmon. These species are all members of the Salmonid family, and are voracious predators of small baitfish. In order to "get bit" you'll be running trolling gear with baits and lures, both of which are great at drawing in hungry Salmon and Trout. Without any predators in these waters, these fish can get huge, even breaking the 30-pound mark (the record is over 40 pounds!). When a monster takes your hook, strap in for a battle—these fish are known for their ferocious fighting abilities, which can feature big runs and even water-clearing jumps. Any catches you would like to take home can be cleaned and filleted by the Captain when you get back on the dock! Everything you need will be waiting for you, including all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Just bring proper clothing, some sunglasses and sunscreen, and your fishing licenses! Read More

If you've been looking for a top-tier sportfishing trip here on Lake Michigan, you're in the right place! Many people don't know that the Great Lakes are home to some of the biggest, baddest freshwater sportfish in the USA, and there's no better way to hook some up than a trip with Captain Lenny. On this trip, you'll chase big Salmon and Steelhead on trolling gear. Both of these species are a blast for any and all anglers, whether you're aiming for a new personal best, hoping to fill your cooler with keepers, or all of the above! You'll hunt these fish using a variety of baits and lures on trolling gear. All of the Salmonids—the family that includes Salmon and Steelhead—love to hit fast-moving targets, and when one of these fish takes the hook, you'll feel it! Both of these big-time sportfish are known for their fast runs and big jumps, so once that fish takes off, strap in for a fight. Once you're back on the dock, Captain Lenny is happy to clean and bag your keepers for you. Salmon and Steelhead are both excellent eating, whether you choose to throw them on the grill, sear them on the stovetop, or even prepare sushi! Ask Lenny for his favorite recipes. Captain Lenny's 31' boat is built for performance! She sports twin 454.crusader engines to get you moving fast, and has an enclosed console to keep you out of the wind. This vessel is built to cut smoothly through choppy lakewater, so you should be trolling with the utmost comfort. She also features a full kit of electronics, and a cooler for your keepers. Captain Lenny provides all the equipment needed for a successful day of fishing, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. You should bring food and drinks so you don’t get worn-out, plus appropriate clothing, some sunglasses, and sunscreen. Other than that, Captain Lenny has got you covered! Read More